Genres

Visitors Review

vchimpanzee 2012-05-23 16:59:08

Wonderful job

"November Christmas" is the name of a story a pretty blonde girl isreading to children at a library. We find out later it is based on thereal (in this movie) life of 8-year-old Vanessa--though some details inthe story being read are a little different.15 years earlier, Tom and Beth are new in the small community. We neverlearn what work Tom does, but he and Beth spend a lot of time withtheir daughter Vanessa, who has been in the hospital a lot. Vanessa hasno hair but a cheerful attitude for the most part. Her 4-year-oldbrother Gordon seems to accept what is going on better than many hisage. Tom visits Jess' farm to buy vegetables, but he later shows up inthe middle of summer wanting pumpkins. The reason: Tom is worriedVanessa might not survive to see Halloween.Jess and his friend, who have both suffered losses in their lives, goto a relative of Jess who already has pumpkins, and they come back witha big load, and a possible second wife for Jess' friend.Vanessa has a new friend, a teenage waitress who is a talented artistand aspiring writer, though right now she must work for her demandinguncle at his diner. Meanwhile, Beth is helping out with story time atthe library, where Jess' wife Claire used to work and still volunteerssome.If Vanessa continues to go downhill, she also won't see Christmas. Itjust so happens Jess grows Christmas trees, and Tom goes to pick oneout.Jess is going through a lot of bitterness, but helping this familyhelps him a lot, and he becomes a kind and loving grandfather type.Eventually the whole town knows about Vanessa's plight, and whathappens next is truly a Christmas miracle.Will Vanessa make it? I will say that the movie has a happy ending.The story is great, and the holidays are celebrated just as one mightexpect--just at different times.Everyone involved gives a great performance, but I believe Sam Elliottstands out from the group. If anyone gets an Emmy nomination, I believeit will be him.Emily Alyn Lind certainly deserves something, though most likely shewould be nominated only in a category that favors kids. Vanessa keepsher attitude positive so much of the time.It was worthy of the name Hallmark Hall of Fame.

pwarner3 2012-05-23 06:09:29

What in the world happened?

A poignant story of families facing heartbreak with excellent acting,endearing characters and believability… UNTIL, very near the end… itsuddenly becomes a moronic public service announcement. Severalcharacters are gathered in the town diner when tired old clichés suchas "that's what it's all about, isn't it ~ helping your neighbor andgiving back" suddenly start tumbling out of everyone's mouth. It ismind boggling and such a departure from the rest of the movie whichmanaged to be both heart wrenching and heart warming without having toexplain to viewers, in the most condescending way, what it all meant. Iwas suddenly cured of any emotional connection to the characters as Iwatched this inane transition to PC drivel. All tears dried up butquick. Then, the ending… Gads, it was so cheesy and saccharine sweet.It was almost like a parody and did not belong in this movie. I cannotimagine what happened behind the scenes to ruin what could have been afirst class motion picture. What an embarrassing ending.

lloydene 2012-05-22 08:24:09

Fantastic

If all movies were like this I would actually watch TV or go to themovies! This was an excellent film, well written, well directed, wellacted. It's all about relationships, and that's what life is about!Thanks to Hallmark for another outstanding performance and to thewonderful cast! I appreciated the fact that God and prayer were givenproper respect and significance. I also appreciated the way our humancondition (sickness, broken relationships, death) was dealt with asbeing a part of life. Life isn't always fair and hard times come, butthe way we deal with it speaks of character and faith and perseverance,and taking joy where we find it. This is one movie that I wouldactually buy and make a family tradition to watch. Thank you!

Jack Spencer 2012-05-22 01:36:48

Moving With A Capital M

Like most Hallmark Hall Of Fame presentations, this one really tugs atthe heartstrings. Very moving, and touching. You fall in love with allthe chacters.I've been watching Sam Elliott since he did Lifeguard 35 years ago.This just might be his best role yet. Mr. Sanford is a man anyone wouldwant to have as a friend. The little girl who plays the centralcharacter is just charming. Sometimes a role like this can be overdone,and not believable, but this is definitely not the case here.I think the best thing about the film, is its theme of redemption.Virtually all the characters are redeemed, and restored. It sets out toshow the good in people and how life triumphs. It succeeds wonderfully.The only minor negative is that by knowing the ultimate outcome inadvance (which the film shows) it might lessen the emotional impact forsome people. Than again, I can't think of anyone who would really wantto see the outcome that you'd think would happen.I hope they show this film again. It would make a perfect DVD for afamily to rent, and not just at Christmastime, but any time of year.